Uncertainty looms as Nahant school closes for summer

NAHANT – The last day of school sparks many emotions including joy, relief and sadness.But there was also a little anxiety on Friday at Johnson School, as teachers, students and parents began summer vacation not knowing whether staff and programs would return next year if a proposed $260,000 override fails on June 25.”I heard some kids expressing concern ? and I know a couple of kids have drawn pictures” asking to save their teachers, said parent and override supporter MaryJo Mitchell Angersbach. “We’re trying to remain positive; (my son) really likes his teacher a lot.”School officials proposed a $260,000 override to fill a budget shortfall due to a $113,000 reduction in state and federal funds coupled with a dramatic increase in special-education costs. The proposal will add approximately $189 or $3.50 per week to the average tax bill, according to numbers from Town Accountant Deborah Waters.In order to be enacted, the override had to pass both the Town Election and Town Meeting. Town Meeting passed the measure 184 to 43. The ballot question was defeated by 52 votes, 417 to 365. Citing confusion over the fact that both votes occurred on April 30, selectmen voted at their May 5 meeting for a special election on June 25 to reconsider the override.But school officials issued pink slips to 15 teachers and staff for next year. Superintendent Philip Devaux said Friday that six teachers – three who are full time, one who works four days a week, one three days a week and one half-time – four full-time teacher’s aides, two part-time aides and the special-education director have received termination notices because of the first failed override.”It’s been a tough spring,” Principal Diane Mulcahy acknowledged, adding that the override “was always in the back of our minds.” “But that (the teachers) kept that hopeful outlook really demonstrates their professionalism.”Teachers also said they are hoping for the best.”It’s been very hard with the uncertainty,” said Art teacher Susan Beebe, whose program will be eliminated along with music and physical education. “But I’m just doing the regular end-of-year thing ? I’m not going to clean out until August. Every year the budget is worse and worse, but it works out in some way.”Beebe said that, nevertheless, she worries about the children. She said that it was particularly difficult hearing this year’s first grade students talk to the kindergarten students about moving on to the first grade.”You ask kids what’s the best part of first grade and it’s always the specials,” she said. “Somehow it will continue, whether I’m here or not,” she said hopefully.Kindergarten teacher Blythe Purdin also said that she was hopeful.”It has been hard the last couple of weeks,” Purdin said about her uncertain future. “But I’m very optimistic. I’m sad, but have hope.”Meanwhile, some of those who have been terminated have begun looking for other jobs, Devaux said.Parent Ann Hudson said that summer excitement overshadowed the occasional questions about her twins’ favorite teachers.”It hasn’t dampened their emotions at all today, they’re excited about summer,” she said while daughters Maddie and Gracie nodded in unison. “But they do ask questions, they’re worried about their teachers,” she said as her eyes began to water. “I’m the one who has gotten emotional.”